This year, Trans Day of Visibility coincided with the Easter long weekend and Semester 1 study break. To support our students in their academic endeavors and promote their wellbeing, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team sat down with Murdoch’s LGBTIQA+ student representatives once they returned from their break to talk about visibility, inclusion and the actions they want to see at Murdoch.

Our LGBTIQA+ student representatives for 2024 are:

• Murdoch Guild Queer Representative, Diesel Jones (they/them) who is studying a Bachelor of Community Development and International Aid and Development.
   
• Murdoch Queer Collective President, Erin Bell (they/them) who is studying a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Gender Studies Minor).

Photo: Erin Bell and Diesel Jones celebrate Pride 2023 with Murdoch staff and students. Erin wears a white shirt in the top row (centre) and Diesel is second from the right in the front row (near the truck door).

Both Diesel and Erin are members of the University’s LGBTIQA+ Advisory Group and understand the importance of listening to and supporting our students.

Erin explained a key part of the Murdoch Queer Collective President role is, “to provide a safe, supportive, and fun community for all LGBTQIA+ students and allies where they can make friends and have a non-judgmental environment to openly question, explore and celebrate their identities!”

A sentiment strongly supported by Diesel who said their role as Queer Representative is, “to provide a space for the voices of students to be heard and work to make campus life safer, better and more inclusive wherever I can.”

The EDI team asked both student representatives what they and the broader LGBTIQA+ Murdoch student community would like to see. Their suggestions centered around visibility on campus and inclusion in our learning and teaching activities.

"Including trans people in everyday examples in class content is incredible to see. I find that I feel most seen and included when examples like this are used,” said Erin.

Visibility on campus also plays a key role.

“Specific acts that mean a lot to me are staff celebrating and raising awareness for days like Trans Day of Visibility, as well as everyday inclusion,” said Diesel.

"Even small things where queer identities and experiences are acknowledged casually in conversation, or seeing staff wearing their pride pins, it's a little reminder that 'oh, you see me'.”

“Another tip I have would be to use your pronouns in email signatures, on name tags and when you introduce yourself,” said Erin.

“This creates a welcoming and inviting space for others and lets queer people know you are a safe and inclusive person who respects different identities.”

When asked what else people could do to elevate representation and inclusion in their work, Diesel suggested reaching out to LGBTIQA+ individuals and researchers for lived experience perspectives.

“The best way to represent someone in a true way is to know them and ask them how they would want to be represented,” Diesel said.

To reach out to Erin Bell and the Murdoch Queer Collective, please contact general.mqc@gmail.com.

To reach out the Diesel Jones as the Murdoch Guild Queer Rep, please email queer@murdochguildcouncil.com.au.

A huge thank you to Erin Bell and Diesel Jones for their time chatting to Murdoch EDI team and their ongoing dedication to their roles. We wish them the best for 2024!

All Murdoch students can raise matters and initiatives through the Murdoch Queer Collective, the Guild or the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Group. The Queer Collective operates weekly stalls at Market Days, runs events through the Guild and maintains the Queer Room at the South Street campus.